Scorecard holder for golf

ABSTRACT

A golf accessory is provided. This golf accessory includes: a substantially planar body for providing a writing surface; a first clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one scorecard; a second clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one writing implement; a third clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one business card; a score keeping device attached to the substantially planar body; and a holding device attached to the substantially planar body, wherein the holding device is adapted to receive at least one golf glove.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/598,327 filed on Aug. 4, 2004 and entitled “Scorecard Holder for Golf,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to implements and accessories for use with the game of golf and other activities, and in particular to a hand-held scorecard holder.

The game of golf typically includes the use of a paper scorecard that players use to record their score, i.e., strokes taken, on each consecutive hole. It is common for golfers, especially those that are walking on the golf course and carrying a golf bag, to fold the scorecard and place it in a pant or jacket pocket between each hole on the course. Alternately, a golfer may place the scorecard in his or her golf bag while he or she plays a round of golf. As most golfers will attest, it is often difficult to write on a scorecard without some rigid substrate beneath the card, and it is inconvenient to have to find a scorecard that has been placed in a golf bag or jacket pocket. Furthermore, a folded card frequently becomes damaged, difficult to write on, and difficult to read. Thus, there is a need for a device that can: (i) serve as a scorecard holder; (ii) be easily carried and used; and (iii) provide a rigid substrate or surface upon which a golfer may write during a round of golf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1A-C are front, side, and rear views of a first exemplary embodiment of the scorecard holder of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-C are front, side, and rear views of a second exemplary embodiment of the scorecard holder of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-C are front, side, and rear views of a third exemplary embodiment of the scorecard holder of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Deficiencies in and of the prior art are overcome by the present invention, the exemplary embodiment of which provides a portable, hand-held, multifunctional device for use in the game of golf or other activities.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention, a golf accessory is provided. This golf accessory includes: a substantially planar body for providing a writing surface; a first clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one scorecard; a second clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one writing implement; a third clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one business card; a score keeping device attached to the substantially planar body; and a holding device attached to the substantially planar body, wherein the holding device is adapted to receive at least one golf glove.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, a portable device for writing is provided. This writing device includes a substantially planar body, wherein the substantially planar body further comprises a front side and a back side, and wherein the front side further comprises a writing surface; a first clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the first clipping device is adapted to receive a golf score card, notepad, or at least one piece of paper; a second clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the second clipping device is adapted to receive a writing implement; a third clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the third clipping device is adapted to receive at least one business card; and a panel formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body. The panel further includes a score-keeping device; and a holding device adapted to receive at least one golf glove.

Additional features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. As will be appreciated, further embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and associated descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable, hand-held, multifunctional device for use in the game of golf or other activities. A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a golf accessory that includes: a substantially planar body for providing a writing surface; a first clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one scorecard; a second clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one writing implement; a third clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one business card; a score keeping device attached to the substantially planar body; and a holding device attached to the substantially planar body, wherein the holding device is adapted to receive at least one golf glove. A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a portable device for writing that includes: a substantially planar body, wherein the substantially planar body further comprises a front side and a back side, and wherein the front side further comprises a writing surface; a first clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the first clipping device is adapted to receive a golf score card, notepad, or at least one piece of paper; a second clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the second clipping device is adapted to receive a writing implement; a third clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the third clipping device is adapted to receive at least one business card; and a raised panel formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body. The panel further includes a score-keeping device; and a holding device adapted to receive at least one golf glove.

With reference now to the Figures, FIGS. 1A-C illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of golf accessory 10. Golf accessory 10 includes a substantially flat or planar body 12 that is rectangular in shape, and that may include cavities 44 (see FIGS. 3A-C). Body 12 includes a relatively smooth writing surface 14, and a scorecard, notepad (e.g., a 3×5 inch notepad), or other paper item is held against writing surface 14 by first clipping means or clipping device 16. Body 12 and clipping device 16 both provide surfaces that may be used for corporate logos or other images or graphics. A second clipping means or clipping device 16 is formed along the top edge of body 12 and is designed to receive a pencil 50 or other writing implement. A third clipping means or clipping device 20 is formed on the back portion of body 12 and includes a plurality of clipping members 21, which are used to hold at least one business card 70 or other paper item on the back of golf accessory 10. Ridges 24 (see FIGS. 1C, 2C, and 3C) help to retain one or more business cards 70 in clipping members 21. In one embodiment (see FIGS., 2A-C), a fourth clipping device or means 22, which includes clipping members 23, is formed on body 12 for holding the cardboard backing of a note pad or for securing a scorecard to writing surface 14. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the Figures, the various clipping devices or clipping means are all formed integrally with body 12 and are typically made from the same material from which body 12 is made.

In addition to clipping devices 16, 18, 20, and 22, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a raised area or panel 26 at one end. Panel 26 includes a glove holding means or device 28, which further includes piece of material that is attached to the surface of panel 26. The piece of material may include either a plurality of loop structures or a plurality of hook structures for connecting with the corresponding piece of material on the clasp of a golf glove. Panel 26 also includes a score keeping device 30, which further includes a rotatable, numbered dial 32 for providing the golfer with a means for keeping track of the number of strokes he or she has taken on any given hole on the golf course. In the exemplary embodiment, score keeping device 30 is a single, molded or cast plastic or metal component that includes a dial 32 and a post 34, which is inserted into and passes through body 12. A flange 36 is formed at one end of post 34 and prevents score keeping device 30 from being inadvertently removed from body 12 once it has been inserted. A mark formed on body 12 provides an indicator 38 for orienting dial 32.

The exemplary embodiment of golf accessory 10 includes a first aperture 40 and a second aperture 42. A lanyard, or retractable cord or tether 60 may be attached to body 12 using these apertures. The lanyard or tether 60 may include a clip (not shown) the allows the tether 60 to be attached to or hung from a golf bag, cart, or other item. The user of golf accessory 10 may grasp body 12, pull the accessory forward for use (thereby extending the cord or tether), and then release the accessory, thereby allowing the retractable cord to return the device to its hanging position.

The basic components of this invention may be manufactured from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, plastic, vinyl, polymer, metal, or combinations thereof using techniques that are widely known and used by those skilled in the manufacturing and fabricating arts. The exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures is about 7 to 8 inches long, about 3 to 5 inches wide, and about ½ to ¼ inches thick. Other dimensions and geometric variations are possible.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in certain detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to any of the specific details, representative devices and methods, and/or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. 

1) A golf accessory, comprising: (a) a substantially planar body for providing a writing surface; (b) a first clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one scorecard; (c) a second clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one writing implement; (d) a third clipping means formed integrally with the substantially planar body for holding at least one business card; (e) a score keeping device attached to the substantially planar body; and (f) a holding device attached to the substantially planar body, wherein the holding device is adapted to receive at least one golf glove. 2) The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the substantially planar body is rectangular. 3) The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the substantially planar body further includes at least one aperture for receiving a lanyard or a retractable cord. 4) The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the third clipping means further comprises a plurality of clipping members for holding at least one business card, and wherein the plurality of protrusions are formed from the material of the substantially planar body. 5) The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the score keeping device further comprises a moveable dial, and wherein the moveable dial further comprises a post for insertion into the substantially planar body, and wherein said post further comprises a flange on one end for retaining the moveable dial within the substantially planar body. 6) The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the holding device further comprises a piece of fabric, and wherein the piece of fabric further comprises a plurality of hooks or a plurality of loops. 7) A portable device for writing, comprising: (a) a substantially planar body, wherein the substantially planar body further comprises a front side and a back side, and wherein the front side further comprises a writing surface; (b) a first clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the first clipping device is adapted to receive a golf score card, notepad, or at least one piece of paper; (c) a second clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the second clipping device is adapted to receive a writing implement; (d) a third clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the third clipping device is adapted to receive at least one business card; (e) a panel formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the panel further comprises: (i) a score keeping device; and (ii) a holding device, wherein the holding device is adapted to receive at least one golf glove. 8) The portable device of claim 7, wherein the substantially planar body is rectangular in shape. 9) The portable device of claim 7, wherein the substantially planar body further includes at least one aperture for receiving a lanyard or a retractable cord. 10) The portable device of claim 7, wherein the third clipping device further comprises a plurality of clipping members for holding at least one business card, and wherein the plurality of clipping members are formed from the material of the substantially planar body. 11) The portable device of claim 7, wherein the third clipping device is located on the back side of the substantially planar body. 12) The portable device of claim 7, wherein the score keeping device further comprises a moveable dial, and wherein the dial further comprises a post for insertion into the substantially planar body, and wherein said post further comprises a flange on one end for retaining the moveable dial within the substantially planar body. 13) The portable device of claim 7, wherein the holding device further comprises a piece of fabric, and wherein the piece of fabric further comprises a plurality of hooks or a plurality of loops. 14) A hand-held device for writing, comprising: (a) a substantially planar body, wherein the substantially planar body further comprises a front side and a back side, and wherein the front side further comprises a writing surface; (b) a first clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the first clipping device is adapted to receive a golf scorecard, notepad, or at least one piece of paper; and wherein the first clipping device is further adapted to receive a lanyard or a retractable cord; (c) a second clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the second clipping device is adapted to receiving a writing implement; (d) a third clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the third clipping device is adapted to receive at least one business card; (e) a utility panel formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the utility panel is adapted to receive a lanyard or a retractable cord, and wherein the utility panel further comprises: (i) a scorekeeping device attached to the utility panel, wherein the scorekeeping device further comprises a moveable dial; and (ii) a holding device attached to the utility panel, wherein the holding device further comprises an attachment surface for holding at least one of a golf glove and a golf towel. 15) The hand-held device of claim 14, further comprising a fourth clipping device formed integrally with a portion of the substantially planar body, wherein the fourth clipping device further comprises first and second clipping members. 16) The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the substantially planar body is rectangular. 17) The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the third clipping device is located on the back side of the substantially planar body. 18) The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the third clipping device further comprises a plurality of clipping members for holding at least one business card, and wherein the plurality of clipping members are formed from the material of the substantially planar body. 19) The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the score keeping device further comprises a moveable dial, and wherein the dial further comprises a post for insertion into the substantially planar body, and wherein said post further comprises a flange on one end for retaining the moveable dial within the substantially planar body. 20) The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the holding device further comprises a piece of fabric, and wherein the piece of fabric further comprises a plurality of hooks or a plurality of loops. 